Surviving Double Avalanches: Skier’s Miraculous Tale

Ken Scott, a seasoned skier and ski industry veteran, woke up to an exciting day in the Rocky Mountain town of Mullan, Idaho, on January 7, 2020. The local radio station announced that the nearby Silver Mountain Resort was blanketed with almost a foot and a half of fresh snow. As an avid skier who spent over 100 days a year on the slopes, Scott couldn’t resist the lure of this fresh powder.

His wife, Ruth, also an enthusiastic skier, had other plans that day, so Scott set off alone. Upon arriving at Silver Mountain, he ran into his friend and former ski instructor, Rebecca Hurlen-Patano. The two friends were thrilled at the prospect of skiing in the fresh snow.

“Can you believe it?” she said as they changed into their boots. “Sixteen inches! Are you ready?”

Scott and Hurlen-Patano spent the next hour carving fresh tracks on various runs under a lightly overcast sky. During their ski lift ride, they noticed that the 6,200-foot Wardner Peak, home to the challenging expert-level trail named 16-to-1, was now open. The trail had been closed all season due to avalanche concerns, but that morning, patrols had set off 13 explosive charges to clear loose snow from its upper slopes.

The pair, along with other regulars at Silver Mountain, were excited to be the first to ski the steep, powder-rich run this season. Upon reaching the slope’s crest, Hurlen-Patano looked back at Scott, her excitement mirrored in his wide grin. She pointed her skis downhill and took off.

Almost immediately, the snow beneath her gave way. “Avalanche!” she yelled to Scott, who was not far behind.

He responded, fear in his voice, “This is happening!”

In an instant, both were swept downhill by heavy slabs of snow, carrying them some 500 feet down the mountain. Hurlen-Patano felt the snow engulf her, while Scott was tumbled around like clothes in a dryer.

When he finally came to rest, he was almost completely buried, but he could see daylight and move his right hand and forearm. He cleared snow from his face and told himself, “It’s a shallow burial. I can breathe. I am alive. Stay composed.”

Hurlen-Patano managed to pull herself out of the snow and began calling out for Scott and their fellow skiers. Scott, though unable to move much, felt confident that he could survive. He cleared a breathing space above his face and focused on staying calm.

Suddenly, the air around Hurlen-Patano exploded with the sound of a second avalanche. This one was much bigger, and she was once again buried in the snow. When she managed to free herself, she realized that the landscape had been completely transformed, and there were no signs of Scott or the other skiers.

Scott, hearing the roar of the second avalanche, thought he was doomed. The snow was so heavy that he couldn’t move anything but his eyelids and toes. He was completely immobile, and the breathing space he’d cleared was gone. He knew his chances of survival were slim, but he tried to stay calm and focus on his breathing.

Hurlen-Patano called for help, and soon Silver Mountain’s patrols and skiers were heading to the avalanche site with shovels and ten-foot poles. She directed the rescuers to where she thought her friends were buried.

Scott, trapped in the snow, felt a slight pressure on his right hip. He hoped it was a rescue probe, but after a few minutes, the pressure was gone. He felt himself fading away.

Suddenly, he felt a vibration and the sound of shovels hitting snow. He started shouting, hoping that anyone standing above would hear. After five minutes, rescuers dug through the snow and uncovered Scott’s face. He took in deep breaths of fresh air and saw the smiling faces of his rescuers.

He had survived two avalanches.

As his arms were freed, he spotted Hurlen-Patano among his rescuers and pulled her down on top of him. “I can’t let go,” he said, still hugging her.

While Ken Scott, Bill Fuzak, and Warren Kays survived, three others, including Carl Humphreys, lost their lives. Scott and Hurlen-Patano have since received counseling for post-traumatic stress syndrome. Despite the traumatic experience, Scott’s love for skiing remained undiminished, and he was back on Silver Mountain just nine days after his rescue.

Our Thoughts

This riveting account of Ken Scott’s survival against two avalanches is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of preparedness. As a seasoned skier, Scott’s experience, presence of mind, and resilience played a significant role in his survival.

However, the unfortunate loss of three lives underlines the inherent risks associated with extreme sports and outdoor activities. It’s a reminder that while the thrill of fresh powder may be irresistible, safety should always be paramount.

The incident also highlights the importance of community and teamwork in the face of adversity. Hurlen-Patano’s quick thinking to call for help and guide rescuers, coupled with the swift response of the Silver Mountain team, were crucial in the rescue efforts.

Scott’s return to the slopes just nine days after the incident is testament to his indomitable spirit and love for skiing. His story is a powerful reminder that while we must respect the might of nature, we should not let fear hinder our passions.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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